Joyce Reece Depew Hickman

Originally from Johnson City TN, she was a 1954 graduate of Science Hill High School and attended East Tennessee State before moving to Oak Ridge, TN where she resided for forty-seven years. She moved to Franklin, TN in 2012 to be closer to family.

She was preceded in death by her beloved husband Herschel, her parents Arthur and Florida Depew, and her sisters Ruth Odom and Jewel St. George.

She is survived by her daughter Susan and son-in-law Sam Paris of Brentwood, TN and two granddaughters, Anne Dowl Paris and Lily Gates Paris, as well as, several nieces and a nephew and many friends.

She was an active member of The United Church, Chapel-on-the-Hill, serving on the board, as women’s board chairman, emergency chairman, memorial chairman and numerous other roles. One role she was particularly proud of was as one of the organizers of the church’s original Chrismon Tree. She was also a lifelong member of the Girl Scouts serving as a leader and the city-wide cookie chairman. She was also a member of the local Garden club, and Home Dem club. She was an extremely talented artist and crafter. Her paintings, cross stitch and ceramic pieces will be cherished by her family for many generations.

A memorial service will be held at The United Church, Chapel-on-the-Hill on Wednesday June 20th at 2pm with a reception to follow in the Fellowship Hall.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to The United Church, Chapel-on-the-Hill, 85 Kentucky Ave. Oak Ridge TN 37830.